9 February 2025
Eileen Bruton, who works in our secure inpatients services at Ridgeway, has raised hundreds of pounds over the years for charity– through special events and selling home-made sweet boxes and signed Middlesbrough footballs.
However, this year she has stepped up her charity work with a year-long 60 Task Challenge.
The challenge is being held in memory of her parents, Ann and Colin O’Henly, who were both dedicated Middlesbrough fundraisers – and Eileen’s inspiration.
“My mam and dad were always raising money for good causes while I was growing up and I kind of took over when they passed. I always try and help if I can,” she said.
“October 2025 will mark what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary, and I thought it would be nice to remember them with a whole year of fundraising.”
As part of her 60 Task Challenge, Eileen will be taking on our brand new TEWV 5k running event at HMP Kirklevington Grange Prison on Sunday 9 March and the return of our TEWV 10k at the Knavesmire on Saturday 19 April.
“My husband and I completed last year’s TEWV 10k and both of us couldn’t wait for this year’s event to be advertised so we could enter.
“When I mentioned to him that TEWV were hosting a 5k run he asked if we had entered, and I just knew it had to be one of my challenges.”
Fundraising from Eileen’s 60 challenges will be split between Teesside Hospice and South Cleveland Heart Fund.
“This challenge is very close to my heart as I’ll be raising money in aid of South Cleveland Heart Fund, in memory of my dad who was treated on the heart ward at James Cook Hospital, and Teesside Hospice, who cared for my mam.”
Eileen started her challenges in October 2024 and has already completed 4 of them including giving 6 food parcels to struggling families at Christmas, a Boxing Day dip, a bike ride from Redcar to Grangetown and back, and 60 squats in 60 days.
“It’s my dream to raise £1,000 with the 60 Task Challenge. Some of my other tasks include climbing Eston Hills and Roseberry Topping, hosting a karaoke-athon, and learning to ride a horse.
“I feel like this is a nice way to remember my parents, and what they did for others. I’m sure they’d be happy to know that I’m carrying on their fundraising traditions.”
Entries for the TEWV 10k and TEWV 5k are open. To find out more and enter, visit TEWV running events.
